Record Reviews

MAGNOLIA ACOUSTIC QUARTET ~ CINDERELLA FOR TUNE 0035 (Barcode: 5902768701357) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2012 Released: 2014 This is the second album by Polish Jazz ensemble Magnolia Acoustic QuartetFind albums by this artist, which comprises of saxophonist Szymon NidzworskiFind albums by this artist, pianist Kuba SokolowskiFind albums by this artist and the brotherly rhythm section: bassist Mateusz DoboszFind albums by this artist and drummer Patryk DoboszFind albums by this artist. They perform six original compositions, all by Sokolowski (with one of the tunes inspired by a Yoko OnoFind albums by this artist piece). This album faces a series of obstacles: the "second album" syndrome, the fact that the guest musicians on their debut album are not present here, the fact that the music is entirely "home made", and so on. The only thing in common is the fact that this album was also recorded live. In comparison to its predecessor, musically this album is characterized by a much spacey, less melodic and freer approach, sometimes almost minimalistic. Most importantly the music is much more open and allows for delicate and intimate conversations between the quartet members. Although recorded just a short time apart, the quartet seems to be much mature, with the youthful energy and vivacity being replaced by elegant thoughtfulness. Of course this might result for some listeners / critics to evaluate this album as less impressive and immediate, but personally I happen to think that is simply different, but still very impressive. I have already mentioned the Dobosz BrothersFind albums by this artist as potential candidates to the title of upcoming sibling rhythm section in Polish Jazz. Their performances here are no less convincing and they are definitely worth of close attention. Sokolowski plays a much more extensive role on this album that previously, which allows us to discover his subtle lyricism. Nidzworski is the true free spirit, pushing the boundaries of the quartet constantly towards terra incognita. Overall this is another impressive achievement of a very promising young ensemble, which managed to overcome the a.m. obstacles with flying colors. Yes, this album is more challenging and less immediately likeable that the excellent debut, but patience has its rewards, which in this case are truly worth waiting for. Well done!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

FRANK ZAPPA ~ PLAYGROUND PSYCHOTICS ZAPPA 3886 (Barcode: 824302388624) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Rock Recorded: 1970 - 1971 Released: 2012 This is the reissue / remaster of the 60th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released originally as a 2CD album in 1992, less than a year before Zappa’s demise. The album was recorded between late 1970 and late 1971 and includes another rare live recording of “Billy The Mountain”, lasting over thirty minutes. It includes numerous dialog fragments capturing the members of The Mothers Of InventionFind albums by this artist on tour and during the recording of the “200 MotelsFind albums with this title” soundtrack. It also offers alternative mixes of the live encounter between the Mothers and John LennonFind albums by this artist and Yoko OnoFind albums by this artist on the Fillmore East stage. The staggering fifty-seven tracks are and incredible testimony of the greatest Rock band ever, carefully assembled by Zappa, in a form he wanted the band to be remembered. Almost all the music was composed by Zappa. The musicians participating on this album include, in addition to Zappa who played guitar and sung, also vocalists Mark VolmanFind albums by this artist and Howard KaylanFind albums by this artist, woodwinds and keyboards player Ian UnderwoodFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Don PrestonFind albums by this artist, George DukeFind albums by this artist and Bob HarrisFind albums by this artist, bassists Jim PonsFind albums by this artist, Jeff SimmonsFind albums by this artist and Martin LickertFind albums by this artist and drummer Aynsley DunbarFind albums by this artist. By the time this album was recorded Zappa and his Mothers Of Invention were a perfectly synchronized music machine able to play just about anything. Zappa’s sense of humor knew already no limits, as the “Billy The Mountain” track shows, being a hilarious pastiche of the Rock Opera genre, which thrived at the time. They produced some of the finest Pop / Rock oriented material, which was heavily spiced with hysteric and often outrageous satire and ridicule of American politics, religious radicals, sex, drugs, corruption and many other issues, which in Zappa’s opinion were eating the American society from within. As accurate as his view of the situation was, it did not have any impact on the state of matters, which obviously continuously worsened, effectively disintegrating the so called “American Way of Life”. Framed within brilliant music and some of his greatest guitar playing, this album is often considered as a great summary of the early Zappa period. Overall, although over fifty years passed since this music was recorded, this album remains an absolute Classic in every respect, which stands proudly as an icon of superb music, which still shines brighter than almost anything else recorded since. Zappa’s genius, not only as a musician, but also as a visionary and a brilliant observer of the human condition and American folly and deceit, remain completely relevant and are even more actual today than ever. Side Note Frank Zappa created a vast recorded legacy during his lifetime, which is continuously being expanded using music recorded and stored in his extensive vault. The albums officially released and approved by Zappa are numbered sequentially in the "Official Release" series, from #001 to the last release so far #126. The albums between #001 to #062 were released during Zappa's lifetime and all the others were released posthumously. There are countless unofficial / bootleg releases on the market as well. Zappa's catalogue was remastered for CD release twice: in 1995 for the RykodiscFind albums on this label releases and again in 2012 for the ZappaFind albums on this label Records / UniversalFind albums on this label releases. The Zappa / Universal program includes 60 releases, which cover the entire catalog released during his lifetime (62 releases, except #013 "200 Motels" and the three Box Sets #043, #046 and #049 called "The Old Masters vol.I / II / III"), and 6 posthumous releases (#064, #065, #067, #068, #093 and #094), which were also included.

Updated: 24/09/2022Posted: 24/09/2022

CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

FRANK ZAPPA ~ THE MOTHERS 1971 ZAPPA 20038 (Barcode: 602438403455) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Rock Recorded: 1971 Released: 2022 This Box Set is the 121st official release by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released posthumously in 2022. It presents an expanded reissue / remaster of the live material recorded originally in 1971 with his group The Mothers Of InventionFind albums by this artist, including the complete Fillmore East concerts on June 5, 1971 and June 6, 1971 (two full shows each day), including the encore which features John LennonFind albums by this artist and Yoko OnoFind albums by this artist on the last show, which of course were partially released as the “Fillmore East - June 1971Find albums with this title” album in 1971. Also included are two partially recorded shows recorded a few days before the Fillmore East shows, as well as the December 10, 1971 concert recorded at the Rainbow Theatre in London; altogether 8 CDs full of brilliant music The Box Set is a lavishly packaged Super Deluxe (CD sized) edition, which is up to the usual ZappaFind albums on this label Records standard. The Mothers, who recorded this music included, in addition to Zappa who played guitar and sung, vocalists Howard KaylanFind albums by this artist and Mark VolmanFind albums by this artist, bassist Jim PonsFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Ian UnderwoodFind albums by this artist (who also plays woodwinds), Don PrestonFind albums by this artist and Bob HarrisFind albums by this artist (who does not play on the London show) and drummer Aynsley DunbarFind albums by this artist. This Box Set offers a great opportunity to compare four full live shows and see how flexible and varied these performances were, how much improvisation was involved and how brilliant the members of the Mothers were. The rapport and interplay are absolutely amazing and easily equal that displayed by Jazz musicians. Musically the album is somewhat less Jazz-Rock Fusion oriented, but still offers lengthy instrumental improvisations and some of the best-ever guitar soloing by Zappa. The parody of the song “Happy Together”, which was a mega hit for the TurtlesFind albums by this artist, the group Volman and Kaylan originate from, is a great example of the sense of humor that underlines the proceedings at all times. Overall, although over fifty years passed since this music was recorded, this album remains an absolute Classic in every respect, which stands proudly as an icon of superb music, which still shines brighter than almost anything else recorded since. Zappa’s genius, not only as a musician, but also as a visionary and a brilliant observer of the human condition and American folly and deceit, remain completely relevant and are even more actual today than ever.

Updated: 18/06/2022Posted: 18/06/2022

CD 8 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend